EP0168029B1 - Word processor - Google Patents

Word processor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0168029B1
EP0168029B1 EP85108513A EP85108513A EP0168029B1 EP 0168029 B1 EP0168029 B1 EP 0168029B1 EP 85108513 A EP85108513 A EP 85108513A EP 85108513 A EP85108513 A EP 85108513A EP 0168029 B1 EP0168029 B1 EP 0168029B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mode
keyboard
printer
cpu
word processor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP85108513A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0168029A2 (en
EP0168029A3 (en
Inventor
Vincent Carlson
Michael N. Fenlon
Robert P. Mansur
Ronald H. Kadomiya
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Minolta Co Ltd
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Minolta Co Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0168029A2 publication Critical patent/EP0168029A2/en
Publication of EP0168029A3 publication Critical patent/EP0168029A3/en
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Publication of EP0168029B1 publication Critical patent/EP0168029B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F40/00—Handling natural language data
    • G06F40/10—Text processing
    • G06F40/166—Editing, e.g. inserting or deleting

Definitions

  • the word processor has been rapidly developed as the device that plays a central role in word processing equipments used in offices.
  • the word processors which are relatively sophisticated and equipped with a page display device incorporate many functions necessary for text editing and filing of document, enabling the human operator, viewing the screen of the display, to carry out almost all kinds of text editing operation. Accordingly, the word processors of this type are easiest to use, and have been widely employed in offices or similar environments which need to handle a large volume of information about document.
  • a word processor according to the preamble part of claim 1 is disclosed in WO 81/00987.
  • This word processor can operate in a non-production state in which the signals from the keyboard merely pass to the printer and in a signal producing stay in which a memory is activated to treat the signal according to the programming in a word processor program. Switching between the two states is accomplished by operating a code state key. However, information which have been typed during the type through mode are lost in this apparatus. Therefore, these informations have to be re-typed in the word processing mode in order to treat the data in the word processing mode or in order to have a back-up copy.
  • the type through mode is established when the storage medium is not present in the second storage device, that the mode is changed to the word processing mode when this storage medium is present and that informations which have been inputted during the type through mode are stored on the storage medium. Therefore, an operator can set the operating mode easily to the word processing mode while the type through mode is executed, even when the operator has started the job in the type through mode without setting the storage medium. Accordingly, the word processor can be used instead of a type writer even when the operator is not familiar with the word processing mode or with further options of the word processor.
  • control unit further includes a second discriminating means for ascertaining that the certain program cannot be called up when the power supply is put to work and a storage medium is installed, the mode control means acting to select the mode in which the signal involved in application of data from the keyboard is processed to allow the printer to perform its printing operation in quick response to the input from the keyboard after the inability to call up the program is established by the second discriminating means.
  • word processor may be designed so that when a storage medium is installed in the second storage device while the processor is being controlled in the type through mode that permits the printing operation of the printer in quick response to the input from the keyboard, the contents entered from the keyboard in the type through mode are stored in the second device according to word processing mode that obeys the certain program stored in the storage medium.
  • control unit is so designed as to control the display device in connection with the input from the keyboard when the keyboard is operated in the type through mode that allows the printing operation of the printer in quick response to the input from the keyboard, for providing a display on the screen of the display device corresponding to the printing operation of the printer.
  • the processor includes a display device 100 mounted on the body 200 of the processor.
  • the display device consists of a twelve-inch cathode ray tube, for example, which has a display screen 102 capable of displaying 80 characters/line x 25 lines whose direction can be controlled by rotating them in any desired direction.
  • a storage device 300 consisting of a floppy disk driver is mounted in the front portion of the housing of the word processor, the housing being integral with the body 200. A floppy disk (not shown) is received in the storage device 300.
  • a printer 400 has a paper guide 402 along which paper (not shown) is inserted and a platen 404 around which the inserted paper is wound by the rotation of the platen for setting the paper.
  • the printer 400 is an ordinary impact printer using a daisy wheel except that sensors associated with control are provided. The structure of the printer 400 will be described in detail later.
  • the word processor further includes a keyboard 500 comprising 99 keys, in this specific example, which are laid out substantially according to their functions.
  • the keyboard is composed of auxiliary keys 502, alphanumeric keys 504, a function key section 506, and calculational keys 508 containing operational keys.
  • the auxiliary keys 502 are used to allow the word processor 10 to function even when a floppy disk storing a program for a personal computer is installed in the floppy disk driver 300.
  • the function key section 506 contains function keys and cursor-moving keys 550 which are used during word processing operation. The structure and function of the cursor-moving keys 550 will be described later.
  • the CRT 100, the floppy disk driver 300, the printer 400, and the keyboard 500 are electrically connected to the body 200 of the processor, and they might be collectively called the external equipment. It is possible that all or some of them are apparently combined into a unit. This term comes from the fact that they are external to the control unit in the body of the system shown in Fig. 2.
  • the body 200 of the word processor incorporates a central processing unit, abbreviated CPU, 204 which performs control operation in accordance with either the program read from the floppy disk driver 300 or the program stored in a read-only memory, abbreviated ROM, within an internal storage 202.
  • the CPU 204 delivers control signals to the external equipment described above via a floppy disk controller 206, a printer interface 208, a keyboard interface 210, or a CRT controller 212 or performs a control operation according to the signal or program from the external equipment.
  • a video RAM 214 for temporarily storing the image information displayed on the CRT 100
  • a communication interface 216 that is inserted during communication with other equipment or system
  • a real time clock 218 for calculating an actual time
  • a loud speaker 222 is connected to the interface 220, and acts to beep when an input error or other extraordinary phenomenon takes place, as described later.
  • the CPU 204 first ascertains whether a floppy disk is installed in the floppy disk driver 300. If it is installed, then the CPU reads the program forword processing. Thus, ordinary processings are executed for the processor.
  • the operator operates the keyboard 500 according to eitherthe messages that are displayed on the screen 102 in the course of these processings or a predetermined procedure of operations to select a desired mode from writing mode, readout mode, printing mode, and other modes, determine a file name, designate the format, or effect other operation, thus carrying out a desired work.
  • the CPU 204 switches the control mode to type through mode according to the program stored in the ROM in the internal storage 202.
  • the printer 400 can be activated in quick response to its input data which is entered by operating the keyboard 500, principally the alphanumeric keys 504. This enables the operator to immediately perform typing operation. Since the type through mode is established when no floppy disk is installed, the program for controlling the operations necessary to this mode is stored in the ROM within the internal storage 202 of the body 200.
  • the operations of the word processor 10 in the type through mode are distinctively different from those in ordinary electronic typewriters, as may also be understood from the flowcharts given laer. Specifically, in this mode, the characters or sentences entered by operating the keyboard 500 are also displayed on the display device 100. When an operation is performed to move the cursor on the screen 102 of the CRT, the location at which the next character is printed by the printer 400 is automatically controlled by the movement of the cursor. One or more pages of text are automatically stored and can be repeatedly printed. When the control mode is switched from the type through mode to word processing mode, the information in the form of sentences now being displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT can be retained and utilized as it is, it being noted that this switching of the control mode can be made at any desired time.
  • a floppy disk (system disk or program disk) storing a program for word processing and a text file disk for storing and reading out edited information of document can be detachably installed in the floppy disk driver 300. These disks are separately controlled by the floppy disk controller 206 in performing a readout or writing operation. The installation of a disk in the floppy disk driver 300 can be detected by a sensor switch disposed in position within the space for holding such a disk. This structure is not shown, because those skilled in the art would readily realize it.
  • the type through mode is selected when the given boot sector of a disk is not loaded into the space. This will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart later.
  • the appearance of the word processor 10 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1.
  • the processor is of a relatively sophisticated type and capable of operating in the aforementioned type through mode. Since it is also intended to be used as a conventional typewriter, its dimensions are limited and careful consideration is given to the design such that it can be installed on a typical office desk that measures 30 inch by 18 inch.
  • the function key section 506 of the keyboard 500 of the processor 10 is shown in plan view.
  • the keys 550 for moving the cursor are mounted in the function key section 506, and comprises four keys 552, 554, 556, 558 for moving the cursor that is displayed to indicate the input position on the screen 102 of the CRT upward, downward, to the left, and to the right, respectively, in steps of one character, and first and second auxiliary keys 562 and 564, respectively.
  • These auxiliary keys are used to change the unit step of the movement of the cursor to "WORD", “SENTENCE”, “PARAGRAPH”, “PAGE”, “FILE”, on so on.
  • cursor keys 552, 554, 556, 558 and the auxiliary keys 562, 564 are operated in the word processing or type through mode.
  • cursor keys of word processors and computer terminals are most frequently used for entering characters or for other operations, and they are similar in function.
  • the aforementioned four cursor keys for the four directions as disposed in proximity.
  • the four cursor keys 552, 554, 556, 558 of the word processor 10 are disposed in close relation to one another as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • Each of the cursor keys tapers off to a point in the direction of movement of the cursor to indicate the direction.
  • a partition wall or barrier 560 is formed among the cursor keys 552, 554, 556, 558 as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 to prevent wrong operation and simultaneous depression of plural keys.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cursor keys 552, 554, 556, 558 and the partition wall 560; and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line A-A of Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line A-A of Fig. 4.
  • the partition wall 560 is bonded to the cover 570 with adhesive or molded integrally with the cover such that it is surrounded by the keys 552, 554, 556, 558 disposed in the manner described above and is h2 above the top surface 570a, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • the height determined by h2 lies substantially intermediate between the height that is h1 above the top surface 570a when the key is not depressed and the height that is h3 above the top surface when the key is fully depressed.
  • the operator can press down desired keys without seeing them, because each key is pointed in a plane in the direction in which the cursor is moved.
  • the keys are separated by the partition wall 560, contributing to elimination of mistaken operation.
  • the keyboard can be operated in a more efficient manner.
  • the partition wall 560 is shaped like letter "H" as shown, and has end portions 560a and 560b at the side of the operator.
  • the end portions 560a and 560b extend on opposite sides along the keys 556 and 558, respectively, to present erroneous operation of the keys 556 and 558 with greater certainty.
  • the upper end portion 560c of the partition wall 560 is rounded so that operator's finger may slip down the partition wall 560, in order to make the usage of the keys more convenient.
  • the upper cursor key 552 and the lower cursor key 554 are marked with a horizontal stripe, while the left key 556 and the right key 558 are marked with a vertical stripe, for permitting the operator to discern the keys with further ease.
  • Figs. 6-13 are flowcharts showing the manner in which various control operations are performed in the body 200 of the word processor 10. These control operations are hereinafter described in detail with reference to the flowcharts.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the manner in which the mode is selected when the power supply of the word processing system is put to work or the system is reset, as well as the relation between type through mode (T/T mode) and word processing mode (W/P mode) either of which is selected at that time.
  • T/T mode type through mode
  • W/P mode word processing mode
  • step 1 when the system is reset as by turning on the power supply, step 1 is performed to cause the program entered in the ROM of the internal storage 202 of the body 200 to diagnose the whole system. If any error is detected, the processor will beep, or if possible, the display device indicates the error condition, and the subsequent processings are halted. If necessary, the indication of error may involve the kind of error or the location at which the error has occurred. If no error is found in step 1, the flow proceeds to step 2 to ascertain whether a floppy disk (program disk) storing a program for performing the word processing mode is installed or not, step 2 being specifically shown in Fig. 7.
  • a floppy disk program disk
  • step 3 to make a self-check for ascertaining whether a program for the type through mode is entered in the ROM of the internal storage 202 of the body 200. If it is not entered, an error condition is displayed, and the subsequent processings are halted. If it is entered, the flow proceeds to step 4 to carry out operations in type through mode in the sequence of steps as specifically shown in Fig. 8. Then, step 5 is performed to ascertain whether a program disk is installed during the execution of operation in the type through mode. If it is installed, the flow proceeds to step 6 to cause the data of text which was typed in the type through mode to be saved onto the program disk. The details of step 5, which is a process similar to step 2, are shown in Fig. 7.
  • step 6 the data about the format in the type through mode is saved onto the physical track immediately preceding the last physical track of the program disk, and the data about the text held in the page buffer (RAM of the internal storage 202) is saved onto the last track of the program disk.
  • step 7 the program for word processing is loaded into the word processor from the program disk. Then, the flow proceeds to step 8 to judge the presence or absence of the data that has been saved by the process of step 6. If the data is present, the program proceeds to step 9, where the data is loaded into the word processor. Subsequently, the flow enters into step 10, where operations are executed in the word processing mode.
  • step 9 the data about the format or text which was saved onto the aforementioned track of the program disk in step 6 is loaded onto the first page of either the format data storage area or the text data storage area for the word processing mode. Also, when such saved data is present, the saved data which has been loaded is automatically displayed as a text in the word processing mode in step 10, thus permitting any arbitrary processing in this mode.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the steps concerning the installation of a disk storing a program for word processing.
  • step 201 is performed to ascertain whether such a program disk is installed or not. This judgment is made depending on the activation or inactivation of the switch which is mounted in the floppy disk driver 300 for detecting a diskette as previously mentioned in connection with the description of the structure of the system. If the switch is open, the flow exits from this sequence of processings, giving "NO" decision. If a diskette is detected in step 21, the flow proceeds to step 202 to ascertain whether the boot sector is loaded or not. The boot sector is loaded by an initial program loader that is set by the ROM of the internal storage 202.
  • step 203 to ascertain whether a program for word processing is present on the disk or not. This judgement is made by loading the directory stored in the disk and judging the kind of the program based on its index. If step 203 ascertains the presence of the program, then the flow exits from this sequence of processings, yielding a result of "YES”. If it is absent, the flow proceeds to step 204, where an error condition is displayed and the process ceases.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the whole sequence of processings carried out by step 4 in Fig. 6, that is, the processings which are carried out in the type through mode according to the program stored in the ROM of the internal storage 202.
  • step 401 is performed to initialize the printer 400 for the type through mode. That is, various factors of the printer including the pitch between succeeding characters, the space between neighboring lines, and the top, bottom, left and right margins are set to prescribed values, and tabulation positions are initialized. Typically, the tabulation positions are set for every five or eight characters.
  • step 404 the body of the word processor accepts data entered by means of the keyboard 500, followed by step 405 to ascertain whether the input data indicates characters to be printed or a command permitted by the type through mode. If the data indicates the characters or the command, the flow proceeds to step 406, where operations are carried out in the type throgh mode. The steps 404, 405 and 406 are repeatedly carried out until the completion of the page is ascertained by step 407. If the judgment made in step 405 is "NO”, the flow proceeds to step 417 to ascertain whether the input from the keyboard 500 commands the body of the processor to assume the word processing mode. If the judgment is "NO”, the flow proceeds to step 418, where an error condition is displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT and, at the same time, the body of the processor is caused to beep.
  • step 407 When printing for one page is completed or the operator halts the printing operation, the end of the page is ascertained by step 407. Then, the flow proceeds to step 408, where a message "Is data to be saved ?" is displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT. Then, in step 409, the operator's response entered by means of the keyboard 500 is accepted while this display is being presented on the screen. Then, in step 410, the process to be taken is selected according to the input. Specifically, if the input, or the operator's response, is "NO” in step 409, the flow proceeds to step 411, where a message "Is page to be cleared ?" is displayed on the screen 102. Then, the flow proceeds to step 412, where the input from the operator is awaited. If the response is "YES", the flow returns from step 413 to step 402, where initialization of page is effected. If the response is "NO” in step 412, the flow returns from step 413 to step 404, where the next keyboard entry is
  • step 409 If the operator's response is "YES” in step 409, or if the result of the decision made in step 417 is "YES”, the flow proceeds to step 414, where a message "Install program disk for word processing.” is displayed on the screen 102. Then, the flow proceeds to step 415, where the entry from the keyboard 500 is again awaited. If step 416 ascertains that the input is "YES”, the processor comes out of the type through mode. If it is judged to be "NO”, the flow returns to step 404, where the next keyboard entry is awaited.
  • Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation in the type through mode performed in step 406 shown in Fig. 8. In this flowchart of Fig. 9, all or some of steps 551-559 are carried out according to the kind of input obtained in step 404 of Fig. 8.
  • step 501 determines that the input indicates characters to be printed
  • the flow proceeds to step 551, where the characters are printed.
  • the details of step 551 is shown in Fig. 10.
  • step 502 ascertains that the input indicates a movement of the cursor, then the flow proceeds to step 552, where the cursor is moved.
  • step 552 The details of step 552 is shown in Fig. 11.
  • step 503 determines that the input indicates scrolling on the screen
  • the flow proceeds to step 553, where the scrolling is performed on the screen.
  • the scrolling is not described in detail herein, because the process necessary for it is similar to the process for a movement of the cursor.
  • step 504 ascertains that the input indicates a correction of typewritten characters, the flow proceeds to step 554, where the correction is made.
  • the details of step 554 is shown in Fig. 12.
  • step 505 determines that the input indicates a tabulation
  • the flow proceeds to step 555, where the process for the tabulation is performed.
  • step 506 ascertains that the input indicates the setting, resetting, or clearing of the tabulation, the flow proceeds to step 556, where the tabulation is set, reset, or cleared.
  • step 507 ascertains that the input indicates an amendment either to the pitch between successive characters to be printed or to the interval between neighboring lines, then the flow proceeds to step 557, where the amendment is made.
  • steps 555-557 are well known in the art, and therefore the details of these processings are not described herein.
  • step 508 ascertains that the final position of one page is reached during the operation controlled by the input from the keyboard 500 or that the operator has halted the page, then the end of the page is judged. Then, a signal representing this condition is sent to step 407 in Fig. 8.
  • step 509 ascertains that the print key (not shown) of the keyboard 500 is depressed or that a print command is applied, then the flow proceeds to step 559, where a printing operation is performed.
  • the details of step 559 is shown in Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing printing of characters in the type through mode. This process is carried out by passing through steps 404 and 405 in Fig. 8 and step 501 in Fig. 9 when an entry from the keyboard 500 occurs.
  • step 1001 ascertains whether the number of lines to be printed is less than the number set by the bottom margin upon keyboard entry. If the former number is equal to or greater than the latter, then the flow proceeds to step 1016, where an indication "Bottom Line" is displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT 100, and the body of the processor is caused to beep.
  • step 1002 is performed to ascertain whether the coordinate position of the printed column is less than the coordinate position set by the right margin upon keyboard entry.
  • step 1008 to ascertain whether the input character code is a carriage return (CR) code or not. If it is not, the flow proceeds to step 1015, where the body of the processor is caused to beep to indicate an error, and printing operation is not performed. If step 1008 or 1003 ascertains that the input character code is a carriage return code, then the flow proceeds to step 1009, where a carriage return (CR) signal and a line feed (LF) signal are delivered to the printer 400. Then, the flow proceeds to step 1010, where a carriage return (CR) signal and a line feed (LF) signal are delivered to the CRT 100.
  • CR carriage return
  • LF line feed
  • step 1011 where the carriage return and line feed signals are stored in the page buffer
  • step 1012 where the position of the left margin is set as the column position.
  • step 1013 where the number of lines in the memory printer (MP) is incremented by one.
  • step 1003 determines that the incoming character code is not a carriage return code
  • the flow proceeds to step 1004 and then to step 1005 to deliver the character code to the printer 400 and to the CRT 100. Then, the flow proceeds to step 1006, where the character code is written into the page buffer. The flow then proceeds to step 1007, where the position of the column is incremented by one.
  • Fig. 11 is a flowchart which corresponds to step 552 shown in Fig. 9 and which shows the relation between a movement of the cursor on the screen 102 of the CRT in the type through mode and the position of printing in the printer 400.
  • the cursor keys 552, 554, 556 and 558 are operated to move the cursor in steps of one character to the right or left or to move it in steps of one line upward or downward
  • the position of the print head carrier of the printer 400 or the position of paper is also controlled in a manner similar to the process of Fig. 11 even when the positionel relation between the cursor and the printed character is changed due to the processings in steps 553 and 555, for example, shown in Fig. 9.
  • steps 1101-1104 are performed to ascertain which of the cursor keys 552, 554, 556, 558 was operated. If the key 554 was operated for downward movement of the cursor, then the flow proceeds to step 1105. If the key 552 was depressed to move the cursor upward, then the flow proceeds to step 1106. If the key 558 was pressed down to move the cursor to the right, the flow proceeds to step 1107. If the key 556 was depressed to shift it to the left, the flow proceeds to step 1108. After these movements, the relation between the position of the moved line or column and the top, bottom, left or right margin is judged. If the cursor has been moved beyond the marginal position, the flow proceeds to step 1109, where the body of the processor is caused to beep to indicate an error.
  • steps 1105 and 1106 ascertain that the cursor to be moved downward and upward, respectively, lies within their prescribed ranges of print line, then the flow proceeds to steps 1130 and 1140, respectively, where control signals are fed to the printer 400 to move the paper a distance of one line forward and backward, respectively.
  • steps 1131 and 1141 ascertain whether the cursor moves within the displayed lines on the screen 102 of the CRT while it is manipulated. If its range of movement lies within the display lines, the flow proceeds to steps 1132 and 1142, where the displayed lines are incremented and decremented, respectively, by one, and then the flow proceeds to steps 1134 and 1144, respectively, where control signals are furnished to the CRT 100 to move the cursor downward and upward, respectively.
  • steps 1135 and 1145 respectively, where the contents of the memory storing the position of the print line are incremented and decremented, respectively, by one.
  • steps 1131 and 1141 ascertain that the cursor has moved out of the displayed region on the screen 102 of the CRT during its movement, then the flow proceeds to steps 1133 and 1143, respectively, rather than to the aforementioned steps 1132 and 1142.
  • steps 1133 and 1143 the data about text displayed on the screen is caused to scroll up and down, respectively, by one line, and then the flow proceeds to steps 1134 and 1144, respectively.
  • steps 1107 and 1108 ascertain that the cursor moved to the right and left, respectively, lies within a predetermined print column, the flow proceeds to steps 1110 and 1120, respectively, where control signals are provided to the printer 400 to shift the carrier of the printer to the right and left, respectively.
  • Steps 1111 and 1121 ascertain whether the cursor moves out of the column displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT during the operation for moving the cursor. If it moves within the range of the column, the flow proceeds to steps 1112 and 1122, respectively, where the column displayed for the cursor is incremented (moved to the right) and decremented (to the left), respectively. Then, the flow proceeds to steps 1114 and 1124, respectively, where control signals are given to the CRT 100 to move the cursor to the right and left, respectively. The flow then proceeds to steps 1115 and 1125, respectively, where the contents of the memory storing the position of the print column are incremented and decremented, respectively, by one.
  • steps 1111 and 1121 ascertain that the cursor moves out of the range displayed on the screen 102, then the flow proceeds to steps 1113 and 1123, respectively, rather than to aforesaid steps 1112 and 1122.
  • steps 1113 and 1123 the data about text displayed on the screen is caused to scroll to the left and right, respectively, by one column. Thereafter, the flow proceeds to steps 1114 and 1124, respectively.
  • Fig. 12 is a flowchart which corresponds to step 554 shown in Fig. 9 and which shows the manner in which printed characters are corrected in the type through mode.
  • step 1201 is performed to ascertain whether the print ribbon (see Fig. 14) set in the printer 400 is correctable. If a cartridge having a fabric ribbon that is not correctable is set in the printer, the subsequent processings will not be carried out. If the keyboard 500 is operated to correct a character while a ribbon cartridge is mounted, a message "Not Correctable Ribbon" may be displayed on the screen 102 as needed.
  • a type of cartridge having a correctable ribbon, for example, and provided with a notch 430a in position is used, and a switch for detecting the notch 430a is mounted at the corresponding position in the section 410 mounting the cartridge, as shown in Fig. 14.
  • the switch 434 is turned on or off, depending on the presence or absence of the notch.
  • step 1201 determines that the ribbon is of the correctable type, the following processings are effected to correct a character.
  • a command is output to the printer 400 to change the ribbon to a correction tape.
  • step 1203 the character code in the page buffer corresponding to the correction position is output to the printer, and the character is erased for correction.
  • step 1204 a command is output to the printer 400 to change the correction tape to the correctable printing ribbon.
  • step 1205 the corresponding character on the screen 102 of the CRT is replaced by a blank (space).
  • step 1206 the corresponding character code in the page buffer is changed to a space code.
  • a character to be printed which is entered by means of the keyboard immediately after these correction processings is processed in accordance with the foregoing process to handle printed characters, whereby correcting the character on the print paper.
  • Fig. 13 is a flowchart which corresponds to step 559 shown in Fig. 9 and which shows the manner of printing in the type through mode.
  • step 1301 is performed so that a command may be issued to the printer 400 to remove the paper.
  • step 1302 processings which are the same as step 403 in Fig. 8 are carried out to insert paper into the printer. The processings regarding the insertion of paper will be described in detail later.
  • step 1303 in order to initialize the printer for printing purposes, the print line is set to the position of the top margin.
  • the printer 400 is then operated to print characters, in steps 1304-1309. Specifically, the character codes which are stored in the page buffer and include the carriage return (CR) code and the line feed (LF) code are output to the printer from the position of the left margin to the position of the right margin for every line until the print line reaches the position of the bottom margin, whereupon the operation is stopped.
  • CR carriage return
  • LF line feed
  • the novel word procesor 10 has the following features:
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the portion of the printer 400 in which a carrier 410 and a bail lever 450 are mounted
  • Fig. 15 is a fragmentary cross section of the body of the printer, for showing the carrier 410 in side elevation.
  • the carrier 410 is held by a platen 404 and a rail 412 extending parallel to the platen in such a way that it can slide along them.
  • a printing ribbon cartridge 430 is set on the carrier 410 by being pressed down by leaf springs 414 on opposite sides.
  • the carrier 430 can readily be disengaged from the carrier 410.
  • the position at which the cartridge is set is restricted by the shape of the portion of the carrier 410 that accepts the cartridge.
  • the carrier 410 further includes a print head (hammer) 416 securely fixed to a support member 418 which is pivotally mounted to the carrier 410 by means of a pin 420.
  • a spring 422 biases the support member 418 counterclockwise such that an engaging lever 424 fixed to the member 418 is kept in engagement with a pin 426. Under this condition, a printing operation can be performed.
  • the lever 424 can be disengaged from the pin 426 by operating a release lever (not shown) so as to rotate the lever 424 counterclockwise. This causes the print head 416 to rotate counterclockwise together with the support member 418 until the member 418 bears on the pin 426, whereupon the head 416 is disengaged from the platen 404.
  • a print wheel 440 or a daisy wheel, can be mounted in position; otherwise the mounted wheel can be removed.
  • a photodiode 442 and a photosensor (wheel index sensor) 444 which are disposed on opposite sides of the set position of the wheel 440 are used to sense whether the wheel is held in position. More specifically, a hole 440a is formed at a certain location of the wheel 440 to permit the light emitted by the photodiode 442 to reach the sensor 444 during rotation of the wheel only if the wheel 440 is held in position.
  • a given position 430a on the bottom of the print ribbon cartridge 430 is employed to detect the type of ribbon 432 in it.
  • the bottom is notched or indented at the position 430a as shown in Fig. 14, while if it is a fabric ribbon, the bottom is planar.
  • a switch 434 is disposed opposite to the position 430a of the carrier 410 such that the switch is closed or opened according to the type of the ribbon, in order to distinguish between plural types of ribbon.
  • a reflective photosensor (ribbon and sensor) 436 is disposed opposite to one surface of the ribbon 432 and at a suitable position within the cartridge 430 toward which the ribbon is fed, for detecting the rear end of the ribbon.
  • a suitable light- reflecting member (not shown) is stuck to the rear end of the ribbon 432. When light falls on the light-receiving portion of the ribbon and sensor 436, the end of the ribbon is detected.
  • a bail 452 is held by supports 450a disposed on opposite sides of the bail lever 450, which is rotatably held by a shaft 454 fixedly secured to a frame (not shown) mounted in the printer 400.
  • a control member 450b protrudes above the body of the printer 400. When the control member 450b is pushed and the bail 452 is moved away from the platen 404, a switch activating portion 450c formed on the bail lever 450 activates a microswitch (bail switch) 456. In this way, the open condition of the bail 452 is sensed.
  • the front upper portion 406 of the outer cover of the printer 400 is so designed as to be rotatable about a pivot 408 in the direction indicated by arrow A.
  • the print ribbon cartridge 430 can be loaded or replaced with another by opening this portion 406 (hereinafter referred to as "cover").
  • the opening or closure of the cover 406 is detected by a sensor 458 such as a microswitch (see Figs. 16 and 17).
  • a print head cover 407 can be opened in the direction indicated by arrow B to allow the wheel 440 to be installed or removed.
  • the opening or closure of the cover 407 is detected by a sensor 459 (see Figs. 16 and 17).
  • the electrical signals delivered from these sensors and switches which are disposed in the printer 400 as described above are applied to a central processing unit, abbreviated CPU, 460 that is mounted in the printer 400 for controlling the printer, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17.
  • the CPU 460 for the printer is connected with the CPU 204 within the body 200 of the word processor 10, and acts to transfer an interrupt signal or status information to the CPU 204 in response to the outputs from the aforementioned sensors in the printer 400.
  • the bail lever 450 means that a sequence of steps will be executed to insert paper.
  • the CPU 460 delivers an interrupt signal to the CPU 204 in the body. There are two processes which can be performed at this time, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17.
  • a plurality of interrupt signal lines are provided from the CPU 460 to the CPU 204 such that a different signal line is used according to each individual sensor that furnishes its output signal to the CPU 460 for the printer.
  • the CPU 204 in the body identifies the sensor based on the excited interrupt signal line.
  • the process which is performed in the CPU 204 in the body when an interrupt signal has occurred as shown in Fig. 16 is described below with reference to the flowcharts of Figs. 18-21.
  • the output from the ribbon type sensor 434 is fed as status information to the CPU 204 in the body.
  • Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the general process executed when the CPU 204 in the body receives an interrupt.
  • step S1 is performed to ascertain whether the end of the ribbon is reached.
  • step S2 is peformed to ascertain whether an error has occurred in the wheel.
  • step S3 is performed to ascertain whether the bail has been opened. If the result of the decision is "YES", the corresponding process is carried out.
  • Fig. 19 shows one specific example of the process which is performed when the end of the ribbon is detected as shown in Fig. 18.
  • the CPU 460 for the printer comes to fault, halting the printing operation.
  • the carrier 410 is moved to the central position under the control of the CPU 460.
  • the CPU 204 in the body presents on the screen 102 of the CRT a message to the effect that "Replace ribbon with another.
  • depress on-line switch the arrival of the input of status information from the CPU 460 for the printer is awaited. Under this condition, the operator opens the cover 406, replaces the ribbon cartridge 430 with a new one, and closes the cover 406.
  • step S102 the display presented on the CRT is caused to cease, whereby completing the process.
  • Fig. 20 shows on specific example of the process which is performed when a wheel error is detected as shown in Fig. 18.
  • the CPU 460 for the printer comes to fault, i.e., the condition in which it can no longer operate, in the same way as the case where the ribbon end is detected.
  • the CPU 204 in the body presents on the screen of the CRT a display to the effect that "Wheel is incorrectly set. Reset it, close cover, and depress on-line switch".
  • step S202 arrival of status information from the CPU 460 for the printer is awaited. Under this condition, the operator may open the cover 407, reset the print wheel 440, and close the cover 407.
  • step S203 the display presented on the CRT is caused to cease.
  • Fig. 21 shows the process that is performed when the bail switch is closed as shown in Fig. 18.
  • the paper is inserted into a given position along the platen 404, and the bail 452 is moved away from the platen to activate the bail switch 456, thereby rotating the platen 404 for a certain time under the control of the CPU 460 for the printer.
  • the switch 456 is turned on the CPU 460 begins to interrupt the CPU 204 in the body. Then, the ends of the paper displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT are caused to scroll in synchronism with the paper feed action of the printer under the control of the CPU 204. More specifically, as conceptually represented in Fig.
  • one end 150 of the paper displayed on the screen 102 is caused to scroll up from the bottom position at which the input is displayed to the position indicated by the solid line for a period of time substantially equal to the time taken to feed the paper actually.
  • the quantity of feed of the paper in the printer 400 varies depending on the setting of the top margin on the print paper. It is also possible to change the time taken for the display on the screen 102 to travel its full distance, according to the quantity of feed. As the top margin is altered, the initial position 151 of displayed characters can be changed accordingly.
  • Fig. 23 shows another example of display, where the displayed end 150 of the paper is caused to scroll up on the screen 102 from the bottom, or input, position until a distance nearly equal to the distance traveled by the paper in the printer 400 is traveled.
  • the initial position 151 of th displayed characters on the screen 102 becomes the left end of the bottom position of display in connection with the displayed end 150 of the paper.
  • the top margin varies in step with the change in the position of the end 150.
  • the process performed when the ribbon end or a wheel error is detected can be carried out in the same way, whether the processing mode or type through mode is selected, the process performed when the bail switch is closed can be limited only to the type through mode for the following reason.
  • the printer 400 operates in quick response to the input from the keyboard, and the text is displayed on the screen in synchronism with the printing operation. Accordingly, the process of Fig. 21 can be considered to be particularly useful for the operator.
  • the paper end 150, characters, etc. displayed on the screen 102 can be moved in synchronism with the movement of the paper caused by a typing operation after the operations associated with the setting of paper are displayed according to the above-described process that is effected upon closure of the bail switch. Examples of this kind of display are shown in Figs. 24(a)-24(c).
  • Fig. 24(a) shows the initial condition of the displayed end 150 of the paper shown in Fig. 22.
  • Fig. 24(b) shows the condition in which the displayed top end has moved out of the screen 102, while only both side ends still remain displayed on the screen. During this process, the display of text is caused to scroll up such that the characters on the screen 102 also move up consecutively in the same manner as the characters printed on the paper (refer to the aforementioned process which is performed to move the cursor and has already been described in connection with Fig. 11).
  • Fig. 24(c) shows the condition in which the bottom end of the paper appears on the screen after a further typing operation.
  • the ends of the paper can be displayed on the screen 102 in the manner described below, for example.
  • at least one position-limiting member 405 capable of sliding horizontally across the paper is mounted on the paper guide 402 on the printer 400 to limit the lateral position of the paper.
  • the position of this movable member 405 is sensed by a potentiometer or similar device to obtain data about the width of the paper.
  • a reflective type photosensor 403 is disposed opposite to the platen 404, as shown in Fig. 15, to sense the presence or absence of paper.
  • the sensor 403 it can be seen that the paper has a length at least equal to length I at the initial set position.
  • FIG. 25(a) An example of display presented on the screen 102 in this case is shown in Fig. 25(a), where the portion of the paper which is not sensed by the sensor 403 is indicated by the broken lines. Then, as the paper is fed, the actual bottom end of the paper is sensed by the sensor 403, when the bottom end is displayed on the screen 102 by a solid line as shown in Fig. 25(b).
  • the data about the length is stored in the RAM in the body together with the text, and therefore when the display on the screen 102 is later caused to scroll or subjected to other process, the paper is displayed down to the bottom end by solid lines, independently of the output from the sensor 403.
  • the actions to be taken are displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT, based on the data transferred from the CPU for the printer to the CPU in the body. Therefore, the operator can readily take correct actions to correct the fault. Also, since the ends of the paper displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT are caused to scroll in step with the actual movement of the paper upon closure of the bail switch or in other case, the operator can manipulate the display presented on the screen 102 with such a feeling that she manipulates a typewriter. Hence, the features of the type through mode can be effectively utilized.
  • step 1201 shown in Fig. 12 is performed to make the judgment in the process for correction.
  • the keyboard 500 in the word processor 10 is connected with the CPU 204 in body via a keyboard interface 210 in the body 200.
  • the keyboard incorporates a one chip microcomputer 550 (hereinafter referred to as "KB-CPU") for controlling purposes.
  • the KB-CPU 550 serves to supply a signal to the CPU 204 in the body in response to the input from the keyboard, and to execute a sequence of operations according to the instruction fed from the CPU 204 in the body.
  • the CPU 204 in the body requires the KB-CPU 550 to make a diagnostic test for diagnosing itself. Then, the KB-CPU 550 initiates the process of the self-check shown in Fig. 26. Specifically, after ascertaining that the CPU 204 in the body has requested a self-check, the KB-CPU 550 performs various tests including "ROM check sum test”, "RAM Write & Read test", and "1/0 port Write & Read test". If the result of a test indicates some form of error, the corresponding error code is transferred to the CPU 204 in the body. If the results of all the tests indicates no error, then a code representing it is sent to the CPU 204 in the body. The CPU 204 distinguishes between these incoming codes. If an error is sensed, a message indicating the faulty location is displayed on the screen 102 of the CRT, or other process is performed.
  • Figs. 27-30 show specific examples of processes which are performed in the CPU 204 in the body when the keys 550 are operated to move the cursor as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5.
  • the processes illustrated in Figs. 27-30 show the operational relations between the cursors 552, 554, 556, 558 and the two auxiliary keys 562, 564. Note that the relationship between the cursor to be moved and the display presented on the screen 102 is specifically shown in Fig. 11.
  • Figs. 27 and 28 show the processes related to the operation of the cursor keys 552 and 554 for moving the cursor upward and downward, respectively.
  • Figs. 29 and 30 show the processes related to the operation of the cursor keys 556 and 558 for moving the cursor to the left and right, respectively.
  • step M1 is performed to ascertain whether the first auxiliary key 562 has been depressed. If not depressed, step M2 is performed to ascertain whether the second auxiliary key 564 has been depressed. If neither auxiliary key is ascertained to be depressed, a process, referred to "the first mode” herein, will be carried out. If step M2 ascertains that only the second auxiliary key 564 has been depressed, another process, hereinafter referred to "the second mode" will be carried out.
  • step M1 ascertains that the first key 562 has been depressed, and if step M3 ascertains that the second key 564 has not been depressed, a further process, hereinafter referred to "the third mode” will be carried out. If steps M1 and M3 ascertain that both auxiliary keys 562 and 564 have been pressed down, a still other process, hereinafter referred to "the fourth mode” will be carried out.
  • the first mode has already been described in connection with Fig. 11 and so the description will not be repeated below.
  • the cursor keys 552 and 554 are depressed in the second mode, the cursor is moved to the initial input position (home position) and the final input position (end position) on the bottom line, respectively, on the screen 102. Then, if the cursor keys 552 and 554 are depressed i the third mode, a process is performed to search the text for a code indicating the beginning of a new page or the end of the present page, the code lying before or after the position of the present cursor. If necessary, the display presented on the screen is updated to place the cursor in the character position lying immediately after the code indicating the beginning of a new page.
  • the depression of the cursor key 552 or 554 in the third mode results in a movement of the cursor in steps of one page within the text.
  • the cursor keys 552 and 554 are depressed in the fourth mode, the data about the initial image portion of the text and the data about the final image portion are respectively transferred to the video RAM 214 to place the cursor in the first character position and the last character position, respectively, in the text.
  • codes are searched for which indicate a period (.) and lie respectively before and after the present position of the cursor. If found, the cursor is moved to the character position that lies immediately after the code that indicates a period. That is, the depression of the cursor keys 556 or 558 in the second mode moves the cursor in steps of one sentence. Then, if the cursor keys 556 and 558 are depressed in the third mode, codes are searching for which indicate a blank and lie respectively before and after the present position of the cursor in the text. If found, the cursor is shifted to the position that lies immediately after the code indicating a blank.
  • depression of the cursor keys 556 or 558 in the third mode moves the cursor in steps of a word. If the cursor keys 556 and 558 are pressed down in the fourth mode, tabulations are searched for which lie respectively before and after the present position of the cursor in the text. If found, the cursor is moved to the character position lying immediately after the tabulation. That is, depression of the cursor keys 556 or 558 in the fourth mode moves the cursor in steps of a tabulation.
  • the cursor When the cursor key 552 or 554 is depressed in the third mode, or when the cursor key 556 or 558 is depressed in the second, third or fourth mode, if necessary, the cursor may be placed in the character position that lies immediately before the found code indicating a new page, period, blank, tabulation, or other data.
  • the video RAM 214 in the body 200 acts to store image information, such as character codes and attribute codes, which is displayed on the CRT 100.
  • the RAM 214 is accessed from the CRT controller 212 to read out information for displaying it on the CRT.
  • the RAM 214 is accessed for a read or write operation from a bus line that is controlled by the CPU 204. Since the access from the CRT controller 212 and the access from the CPU 204 take place in an asynchronous manner, collision between them should be avoided. Thus, it may be suggested that priority is given to either the CPU 204 or the controller 212 in obtaining access to the video RAM 214.
  • the word processor 10 employes a video RAM access control circuit 230 shown in Fig. 31 to achieve a noiseless display on the CRT without reducing the throughput of the CPU 204 considerably.
  • the circuit of Fig. 31 is now described with reference to the timing chart of Fig. 32.
  • the address bus to the CPU 204 is connected to the address input terminal of the video RAM 214via a CPU address buffer 231.
  • the address bus to the CRT controller 212 is coupled to the address input terminal of the RAM 214 via a CRT controller address buffer 232.
  • the data bus to the CPU 204 is connected to the data input/output terminal of the video RAM 214 via an output latch 233 and an input buffer 234.
  • the data input/output terminal of the RAM 214 is also tied to a CRT display controller (CRT-DC) 237 through another output latch 235.
  • CRT-DC CRT display controller
  • An image signal which is latched in the shifter of the CRT display controller 237 after being generated by the video RAM 214 cooperates with a shift synchronizing signal SI (on line 240) from a clock generator (CLG) 236 and with a dot clock signal (on line 241) to feed an image signal to the CRT 100.
  • the generator 236 produces clock signals having a duty cycle of 50% to signal lines 242 and 243 from its output terminals E and E, respectively, with a period of one character display (10 dot clocks). These clock signals enable the CRT controller address buffer 232 and the CPU address buffer 231, respectively, when they assume low level (see Fig. 321).
  • the CPU 204 and the CRT controller 212 alternately use the address bus to the video RAM 214 for every five dot clocks.
  • the clock generator 236 has an output line 244 for delivering a RAM output enabling signal, which assumes low level for a period of 3 dot clocks after a period of 2 dot clocks has elapsed from the beginning of CRT control cycle at which the enabling clocks are in low condition, as shown in Fig. 32, to enable data to be read out of the video RAM 214.
  • the CRT controller 212 has access to the video RAM 214 in the manner described below.
  • the CRT controller address buffer 232 and the output latch 235 are enabled, so that the data about addresses is fed from the controller 212 to the RAM 214.
  • the RAM output enabling signal on the output line 244 from the clock generator 236 becomes low, the output data is transferred through the data bus and latched in the output latch 235.
  • the shift synchronizing signal SI rises during the next CRT controller cycle on the line 240 from the clock generator 236, the data held in the latch 235 is introduced into the shifter of the CRT display controller 237.
  • the data is then furnished to the CRT 100 as an image signal in synchronism with the dot clocks that are delivered to the output line 241 from the clock generator 236.
  • data representing 10 dots, or one character is read out of the video RAM for every CRT controller cycle.
  • the present control circuit 230 includes an arbitration circuit 238 to meet the request for access made by the CPU 204 in the manner described hereinafter.
  • the arbitration circuit 238 receives an E-clock signal via the signal line 243 and the dot clock signal via the signal line 241 from the clock generator 236. Further, the circuit 238 receives an address bus signal, a bus memory read (BMRD) signal, and a bus memory write (BMWR) signal from the CPU 204.
  • BMRD bus memory read
  • BMWR bus memory write
  • the arbitration circuit 238 is designed to deliver a wait signal to the CPU 204, a character write signal (CHWR) to the video RAM 214, an attribution write (ATTWR) signal to a line 245, a write data enabling (WDEN) signal through a line 246 to the video RAM input buffer 234, a read data enabling (RDEN) signal through a line 247 to the video RAM output latch 233, and a read load (RDL) signal through a line 248 to the latch 233.
  • CHWR character write signal
  • ATTWR attribution write
  • WDEN write data enabling
  • RDEN read data enabling
  • RTL read load
  • Fig. 32 The relations among these signals are shown in Fig. 32, and they perform arbitration operations as follows.
  • the arbitration circuit 238 immediately delivers the wait output at low level to bring the CPU 204 to wait state.
  • the circuit 238 delivers the read data enabling (RDEN) signal at low level to the line 247.
  • the incoming E-clocks and dot clocks form A-clocks which lag the E-clocks by a phase difference of one dot clock.
  • a judgment is made at the trailing edge of each A-clock to ascertain whether the CPU 204 is in access condition. If so, it delivers the read load (KDL) signal at high level to the line 243 at the end of the CPU cycle to load the data that is delivered from the video RAM 214 at that time into the latch 233. Since it is in the CPU cycle, the address output from the CPU 204 is sent to the video RAM 214 via the buffer 231.
  • KDL read load
  • the above transfer of the data from the RAM 214 is allowed by the bus memory read (BMRD) signal from the CPU 204.
  • BMRD bus memory read
  • the CPU cycle terminates the CPU is released from the wait condition.
  • the arbitration circuit 238 When the CPU 204 delivers the bus memory write (BMWR) signal, the arbitration circuit 238 immediately produces the wait signal in the same way as the case where the bus memory read (BMRD) signal is delivered. Under this condition, when the trailing edge of each A-clocktakes place, the circuit 238 delivers the character write (CHWR) signal at low level for a certain period of 3 dot clocks. Then, after an elapse of one dot clock, it delivers the write data enabling (WDEN) signal at low level for a period of 2 dot clocks. The WDEN signal is supplied to the video RAM 214 via the line 245, thereby bringing it to the condition of data writing. Then, the WDEN signal is applied to the input buffer 234through the line 246.
  • CHWR character write
  • WDEN write data enabling
  • the data from the CPU 204 is written into the video RAM via the buffer 234. Subsequently, as the CPU cycle terminates, the CPU is released from the wait condition. Then, after a lapse of a certain recovery time, the CPU 204 causes the bus memory write (BMWR) sigal to cease, thus completing the process of the data writing.
  • CHWR character write
  • ATTWR attribution write
  • the provision of the arbitration circuit 238 permits the CPU 204 to effectively obtain access to the video RAM according to the cycle which is changed to another based on the image signal (dot clocks) derived from the CRT 100. In addition, no noise appears on the display presented on the screen, and the throughput is enhanced.
  • a dynamic random-access memory comprises storage cells each of which consists of a transistor and a capacitor. Since it is simple in structure, the component density per chip is high. Further, it can operate at high speed and is cheap. For these and other reasons, dynamic RAMs are most extensively used among general-purpose RAMs.
  • the RAM in the internal storage 202 in the system of Fig. 2 also utilizes this kind of device.
  • the structure of the dynamic RAM requires that the storage cells be replenished by a refresh circuit every refresh cycle while some charge remains on the capacitors. At this time, a demand for access and a demand for refres must not be made simultaneously by the CPU.
  • the refrsh control circuit 250 incorporated in the novel word processor 10 has a configuration as shown in Fig. 33 to undertake the situation where a demand for access and a demand for refreshment are made in the same period by the CPU. Specifically, the control circuit allows the first coming one of the two requests to perform its operation first while causing the later one to wait for the completion of the preceding operation, whereby minimizing the adverse effect on the access provided by the CPU.
  • a request for access made by the CPU 204 is represented by two signals, i.e., bus read memory read (BMRD) signal and bus memory write (BMWR) signal, both of which are applied to a NOR gage 251.
  • the signal line thorugh which the bus read memory signal flows is also connected to a timing signal generating (TSG) circuit 252, which acts to deliver a row address strobe (RAS), a column address strobe (CAS), or other signal to the D-RAM 253 in response to the requestfor access to the memory made by the CPU 204, which produces an address (CPU ADR) signal applied to both an address decoder (ADD) 254 and an address multiplexer (ADM) 255.
  • TSG timing signal generating
  • the clocks (CPU-CLK) on which the operation of the CPU 204 is based are applied to both a refresh interval counter (RIC) 256 and a refresh pulse generating (RPG) circuit 257.
  • the output from the decoder 254 assumes low level only when the address signal from the CPU 204 specifies the D-RAM 253.
  • the counter 256 counts the clocks (CPU-CLK) and delivers a count-up signal whenever a predetermined count is obtained, in order to produce a refresh signal with a certain cycle.
  • the refresh pulse generating circuit 257 which generates a pulse having a duration needed to refresh the dynamic RAM delivers an End of Refresh signal to reset a refresh request latch (RRL) 258 after production of the pulse.
  • a signal which assumes high level during a given time of T 3 is delivered from an output terminal 257-b of the refresh pulse generating (PRG) circuit 257, as shown in Fig. 34.
  • This signal of high level causes a refresh address counter (RAC) 263 to be incremented by one, and it causes the signal (RAS) from the output terminal 252-b of the timing signal genrating circuit 252 to assume high level.
  • RAS refresh address counter
  • the storage cells in the row address specified by the counter 263 are refreshed.
  • the output Q from the arbitration latch 262 takes on low level, causing the output from a NOR gate 264 to assume high level.
  • the output Q from the latch 262 is brought to high level. Accordingly, the termination of the low level of the pulse generating circuit 257 results in the output from the NOR gate 264 to fall to low level. The output from the NAND gate 265 then takes on high level, irrespective of the condition of the output from the NOR gate 251, permitting the CPU 204 to obtain access to the dynamic RAM.
  • the CPU 204 is allowed to have access to the dynamic RAM immediately after the completion of the RAM. Inversely, if the CPU 204 requests access first or produces the bus memory read (BMRD), the bus memory write (BMWR) signal, or the like first, the output from the NOR gate 251 becomes high, while the output from the address decoder 254 becomes low. This causes the output from the AND gate 260 to take on high level, and causes the output from the inverter 261 to assume low level.
  • BMRD bus memory read
  • BMWR bus memory write
  • the arbitration latch 212 is cleared such that its outputs Q and Q take up low and high levels, respectively, thus making the refresh pulse generating circuit 257 inoperative. In this condition, even if the contents of the counter 256 reach its full count and if the resultant signal is latched in the refresh request latch 258, that signal is not allowed to be applied to the refresh address counter 263, whereby preventing refreshing operation. This condition continues until the request for access made by the CPU 204 is cancelled, whereupon the aforementioned refresh signal can be received.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computational Linguistics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Document Processing Apparatus (AREA)
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EP85108513A 1984-07-09 1985-07-09 Word processor Expired - Lifetime EP0168029B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/628,733 US4742485A (en) 1984-07-09 1984-07-09 Word processor with type through mode
US628733 1984-07-09

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EP0168029A2 EP0168029A2 (en) 1986-01-15
EP0168029A3 EP0168029A3 (en) 1986-06-11
EP0168029B1 true EP0168029B1 (en) 1991-01-02

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US4051459A (en) * 1974-01-30 1977-09-27 Editext Word Processing, Inc. Stored program controlled typewriting/editing system
JPS5821729B2 (ja) * 1977-08-11 1983-05-02 株式会社リコー ワ−ド・プロセッサ
DE2926669A1 (de) * 1979-07-02 1981-01-15 Olympia Werke Ag Textbearbeitungsmaschine mit einer anzeigeeinrichtung
WO1981000987A1 (en) * 1979-10-05 1981-04-16 Marshall E Design Int Ltd Keyboard operable printing means with optional programmed auto-operation
US4527250A (en) * 1980-09-11 1985-07-02 Allen-Bradley Company Video computer terminal with detachable intelligent keyboard module
JPS581221A (ja) * 1981-06-26 1983-01-06 Sony Corp マイクロコンピユ−タ
US4491933A (en) * 1982-03-18 1985-01-01 Wordtronix Inc. Word processor
US4607347A (en) * 1983-08-10 1986-08-19 International Business Machines Corporation Microcomputer system employing program cartridges
US4620808A (en) * 1984-04-09 1986-11-04 Protype Corporation Display typewriter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS6121571A (ja) 1986-01-30
DE3581007D1 (de) 1991-02-07
US4742485A (en) 1988-05-03
EP0168029A2 (en) 1986-01-15
EP0168029A3 (en) 1986-06-11

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